Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Service Planning Area 7 Employee Wellness Committee: Creating a work environment where the healthy choice is the easy choice

Objectives: The goal of Whittier Health Center Employee Wellness Committee (EWC) is to educate employees about healthy choices and support behavioral change as an effort to create healthy role models for our community. Using a holistic approach that involves physical, mental and social wellness, the EWC aims to promote healthy living practices among all Whittier Health Center employees and provide a supportive work environment in which the healthy choice is the easy choice. Methods: The CDC Healthier Worksite Initiative served as a framework for developing and implementing strategies for the EWC. Other resources used for guidance were Los Angeles County Public Health Strategic Plan 2008-2011. Interventions to increase staff awareness of the benefits of healthy lifestyles were quarterly newsletters, educational bulletin boards and harvest of the month activities at staff meetings. Interventions to help increase physical activity, reduce stress and implement healthy behaviors were kickball games, a book club, and a garden club. Worksite food policies were also implemented. Results: An end of the year survey was used to evaluate the various strategies. As a result 71% of staff surveyed became more aware of the importance of a healthy lifestyle. 60% of staff increased their activity level. 38% reported a decrease in fat intake and 24% lost weight. 58% of staff who participated in the activities reported a reduction in work related stress. Conclusions: Overall 89% of staff surveyed felt EWC and the strategies implemented were supportive in encouraging a healthy, active lifestyle as well as assisting in healthy choices.